LESSON 10 Using the Web
Security on the web is important when you want to send personal information, such as credit card numbers, over the Internet. There are secure Web pages that will protect personal information you send. Many people feel it is unsafe to transmit credit card numbers over the Internet. In fact, sending a credit card to a secure Web page is safer than giving the number to an unknown person over the phone.
Secure Web pages work with Web browsers to create an almost unbreakable security system. When you send information over the Internet, the information may pass through many computers before reaching its destination. If you are not connected to a secure Web page, other people on the Internet may be able to view the information you transfer.
The address of a secure Web page usually starts with https rather than http.
When you visit a secure Web page, your Web browser will usually display a lock or key on the screen, in the lower right corner of your tool bar, to indicate that the Web page is secure. Many Web browsers also display a dialog box alerting you that you are about to view a secure Web page.
Many banks allow you to access your banking information over the Web. You can pay bills, transfer money between accounts and even apply for a loan. You can access your banking information when it is convenient for you – 24 / 7. You can use the Web to schedule your bill payments in advance. This is useful if you are going on vacation or away on business.
There are thousands of products you can buy on the Web, such as clothing, office supplies, programs and food. The Web is a great source for purchasing rare items such as out- of – print books. Ebay had a blue angel plane for sale. The minimum bid was more than my pocket change, and besides I don’t fly, so I passed that one up.
Shopping considerations are the cost of delivery and the cost to return an item that may have come from any place in the world. Most Web sites offer more up-to-date information about products and prices than catalogs and flyers. You can also use the Web to find reviews and ratings of the products you want to buy. This allows you to make an informed decision before making your purchase.
You can use the Web to compare products and prices. There are many Web sites that will do comparison-shopping for you. When you search for the product you want, the Web site will display a list of matching products with prices and links for ordering. You can find comparison-shopping tools at the following Web sites:
www.bottomdollar.com www.shopfind.com
Prices for products sold on the Web are generally lower than prices in traditional stores because companies do not have overhead costs, such as rent and salespeople. Many stores on the Web also give discounts when you make a purchase. You can even find electronic coupons for many items at the following Web sites:
www.couponsurfer.com www.coolsavings.com
One of my favorite sites for gifts to be sent direct to relatives for birthdays is www.overstock.com You can have it wrapped and shipped direct with your own message included.
You can find auctions on the Web where you can bid on products such as computers, jewelry, gifts, and much more. You can find person- to- person auctions at the following Web sites: www.ebay.com.
Businesses use merchant auctions to offer their merchandise to the public. Merchant auctions often offer over-stocked or refurbished products, such as computers, house wares and sporting goods. You can find merchant auctions at the following Web sites:
Traditional auctions houses, such as Sotheby’s, are beginning to offer auctions on the Web. These auctions specialize in fine art, antiques, collectibles and jewelry. You can find the Sotheby’s Web site at: www.sothebys.com
Before bidding on a product, browse the Web to see what companies are charging for similar products. You may be able to buy the product for a lower price. Check shipping fees as they can greatly increase the price of a product. All sales are final on auction Web sites. At a merchant auction, if you win the bidding, your credit card is charged immediately.
Be sure to use the search engines such as www.google.com when looking for any items for comparison.